LAHORE, Pakistan: Skipper Salman Ali Agha struck a career-best 56 to anchor Pakistan to a strong total of 201-7 against Bangladesh in the opening T20 International at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Wednesday.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Pakistan got off to a poor start, losing both openers within the first two overs.
Saim Ayub was dismissed for a duck by Mahedi Hasan, while Fakhar Zaman managed just one run before falling to Shoriful Islam, leaving the home side struggling at 5-2.
Captain Agha then stepped in to stabilise the innings. He shared a 48-run stand for the third wicket with Mohammad Haris, who played a brisk knock of 31 off 18 balls, hitting four boundaries and a six before falling to Tanzim Hasan Sakib in the seventh over.
Building on the momentum, Agha formed another crucial partnership with Hasan Nawaz, adding 65 runs for the fourth wicket in just 32 deliveries.
Agha’s 34-ball innings included eight fours and a six before he was caught at extra cover off Hasan Mahmud in the 12th over.
Nawaz continued the assault with an aggressive 44 off 22 balls, hitting two fours and four sixes, before he was dismissed by Rishad Hossain in the 14th over.
Vice-captain Shadab Khan then played a key role in the final overs, smashing 48 off 25 balls, including five fours and two sixes, to propel Pakistan past the 200-run mark.
His late fireworks ensured Pakistan added 58 runs in the last five overs.
Bangladesh used six bowlers, all of whom took at least one wicket. Shoriful Islam was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 2-32 from three overs.
Mahedi Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Rishad Hossain and Shamim Hossain each took one wicket.
Pakistan’s final total of 201-7 in 20 overs has set Bangladesh a challenging target of 202 runs in the first match of the three-match T20I series.
